Kindred and Lewis star in awards

Herefordshire's Paralympian swimming stars Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis have been named the county's sportsman and sportswoman of the year.

Kindred won two golds and a bronze in Beijing and told BBC Hereford and Worcester it had been a memorable year.

He said: "I had an awesome time in Beijing, not just because of my medals but because of the Games as a whole.

"I won two golds and a bronze and broke two world records and was then honoured with an OBE, so it was a great year."

Lewis came away from Beijing with a silver medal and, while admitting she was disappointed with her overall showing at the Games, she said it would only drive her on to do better in London in 2012.

"I didn't get what I wanted but I am back in training now and working towards what I didn't get in Beijing," she said.

"My aim now is to hopefully get the gold in London so I am working hard towards getting that."

Among the other award recipients was wheelchair rugby star Josie Pearson who was named Disabled Sports Personality of the Year, while Vic Tarrant was named Coach of the Year for his work with Hereford Athletics Club.

Burghill and Tillington Cricket Club was named Club of the Year, while the Senior Team of the Year award went to Hereford and District Wheelers Cycling Club.

Terry Marsh of Hereford Lads' Club was honoured for services to sport while the younger sporting stars also had their achievements recognised.

David Skyrme was named Young Volunteer of the Year for his work with Ross-on-Wye Cricket Club, while gymnast Emily Goring won the Junior Sports Personality of the Year title.

The Rob Staite Award went to Terry Mason, while 13-year-old Rachel Beardsley won the Ted Woodriffe Award, which is awarded annually in memory of the long-time sports editor of the Hereford Times.

Beardsley is an archer who has already broken nine national records and she is targeting a place in future Olympic Games.

"I really would love to go to London but I will only be about 17," she said.

"I could make it because last year at Beijing there was a 14-year-old there, but if it is too soon then 2016 is definitely on the radar."